What are some ways in which environmental resources are important to human health?

Question

Isaac Ayoub · Accepted Answer

The "environment" affects the life of every species within it.

The majority of life forms on Earth are found in water, so there are no "good" or "bad" environments—just environments that are more favorable to particular life forms! Therefore, you must be specific about the conditions that support human life. Food and water are the two most important environmental resources needed by any life form; without one, the other physical resources are meaningless. This includes the entire chain that gives rise to a given form. The most important thing after food is shelter from the weather, which includes natural coves, caverns, windbreaks, and materials to build shelters like vegetative cover. The next step involves using outside energy (non-muscle) to modify food (cook it) and regulate the shelter's temperature. For human health and survival, the environment needs all of these resources.

Hannah Amos · Answer

undefined Some ways in which environmental resources are important to human health include:

1. Clean Air: Ensuring air quality free from pollutants can prevent respiratory problems and reduce the risk of lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

2. Clean Water: Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for hydration, sanitation, and preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

3. Nutritious Food: Healthy soil and ecosystems support the growth of nutritious crops and livestock, providing essential nutrients for human health and reducing the risk of malnutrition and related illnesses.

4. Biodiversity: Biodiverse ecosystems contribute to human health by providing natural resources such as medicinal plants, which are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

5. Natural Disaster Mitigation: Healthy ecosystems such as forests and wetlands can mitigate the impacts of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and hurricanes, protecting human lives and property.

6. Mental Well-being: Access to green spaces and natural environments has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

7. Climate Regulation: Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate by sequestering carbon dioxide and mitigating the impacts of climate change, which can affect human health through extreme weather events, heatwaves, and food insecurity.